Page 1 of Christmas with Brother's Best Friends
Chapter one
Chapter One: Emma
Agentle flurry of snow tumbles down onto New York City as I hurry down the busy sidewalk, surrounded by the sounds of bells jingling and muffled Christmas music playing in nearby stores.
This December has truly been the gift that keeps on giving, and I’m only a few days in!
Snow. Holiday festivities. A dream opportunity for my career.
How can things get any better?
“Excuse me!” I say as I slip around a couple wearing matching Christmas sweaters, my eyes lingering on their joined hands for a moment. Just a moment.
I direct my eyes forward, staring up at a skyscraper that hosts multiple million-dollar businesses and one billion-dollar company in the penthouse at the very top. I’m heading up to the latter for my first day on a huge contract, and I can’t help but be a little nervous at the thought of meeting the three CEOs.
I’m not nervous because they’re strangers. I’m nervous because I know them. I know themreally well.
I abandon the winter wonderland in the midst of this concrete jungle that hasn’t been home in a while and head inside, warm air washing over me. Snowflakes melt and sparkle on my plaid tweed coat as I rush to the elevator, tapping the button multiple times until the door finally slides open.
A few other people step inside with me, each of us reaching forward to hit the buttons for our floor. I’m the only one going to the penthouse, the sole office for SyncUp and its billion-dollar remote work platform. It’s genius, but knowing who started it, that’s not surprising.
The doors open, and the breath leaves my lungs as I stare at an open floor office with huge windows that provide the most beautiful view of snow-covered Manhattan. I’ve traveled a lot for my freelance graphic design career, but this is one of the best offices that I’ve ever seen.
“There she is!”
I draw my focus away from the wall of filled bookshelves to my left, my heart immediately racing as three familiar men stride toward me in suits.
Suits!
“Look at you guys! No more dirt-streaked cheeks and gym shorts,” I tease my old friends as I head toward them. I meet them halfway and get a better look at them.
Technically, they’re my older brothers’ best friends from childhood, but they were around the house so much that they’re like family to me too. Andrew and Ethan made it very clear back then that I was off-limits—soclear that they once made a guy cry for asking me to prom. I was sixteen, they were overreacting, and their friends never let me live it down.
Josh outpaces Max and Ryan to sweep me up in a tight embrace. “Holy shit. Look atyou! I barely even recognize you, Em.”
My eyes widen at how firm he feels. Granted, they were always playing sports with my brothers growing up. Athleticism is no stranger to them, and from what I can see and feel, it hasn’t evaded them even all these years later.
“I can say the same,” I reply before we break away from each other.
His cologne smells bright and captivating, and I swear that it lingers on my coat. I lift my eyes to his familiar smile and blue eyes, but everything else is different. His brown hair used to be ashaggy mop on his head that got in his eyes, but now the waves are neatly trimmed and styled.
It would be a travesty to cover that face becausewow. He looks great. I shouldn't even think it, but he lookshot.
Josh breaks my daze by stepping out of the way, letting me hug Max, who leans down so that I can wrap my arms around his neck.
“Good to have you home,” Max tells me.
I can feel the broadness of his strong shoulders under my arms, while his short, black hair feels soft against my cheek. I almost want to touch it. “You successfully lured me back home with this contract.”
Ahugecontract. If I pull this off, this can open so many doors for me and take my career to an even greater height than what I’ve accomplished freelancing.
“You’re the best for the job,” Max replies once he releases me, his fingers grazing my hip in a manner that makes my heart skip. Sheesh, they all look good.
This isn’t just another gig. This is a shot to prove that I’ve built something real. That I’m not just floating from city to city, picking up scraps between dream clients.My brothers took the traditional path. Med school. Law school. Accolades. Framed degrees. I built mine from scratch—late nights, unpredictable income, learning everything on my own terms.And now I’mhere, in a billion-dollar penthouse, trusted with one of the most important updates their company has ever launched.I didn’t get this far to be seen as a little sister doing a favor. I’m here because I’m damn good.
When I considered taking a contract with my brothers’ friends, I pictured the cute but antagonizing boys that used to crash my sleepovers and try to help me with my homework. Not these grown businessmen who arestupid hotand casually confident.
“Did Andrew and Ethan recommend me?” I ask them.
